Community Development Planner Jobs in California

Salary : $9,082.67 - $11,043.07 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 26073132
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for an Associate Engineerto be part of the Community Development Team!
The Department
The Community Development Department oversees and initiates plans for: economic growth; commercial, industrial, and residential development and re-development; zoning; code enforcement; permitting; and building inspections. The Department has 70 employees over 10 different divisions: Administration, Development Services, Environmental & Noise Abatement, Downtown, Housing, GIS, Plan Check, Building Inspection, Engineering, and Permit Center.
The Division
The provides plan checking and permitting services for construction work proposed in the public right of way to ensure high quality public improvements (specifically non-capital improvement related work). The Engineering Division processes land development documentation (certificates of compliance, easements, easement vacations, lot tie agreements, subdivision maps and certificates of correction); and also provides field inspection for non-capital improvement work in the public right of way.
The Engineering Division is supported by our GIS team which provides infrastructure information, aerial imagery and geographic information.
The Position
The Associate Engineer plays an integral part within the Engineering Division. This position will collaborate with different City departments including Public Works, Transit, and Community Services; as well as the Current Development, Planning, and Building divisions of Community Development. The Associate Engineer manages non-capital improvement private development engineering projects; prepares and presents reports and agenda items for the City Council and City commissions; prepares and administers professional engineering and professional service contracts; plans and directs the work of lower-level professional and technical engineering staff; and performs related duties as required.
For more information about the duties of the position, click .
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in engineering and three years professional engineering field and office experience.
Experience or training in engineering computer applications is desirable.
License and/or Certificates
Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
A valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers is desirable.
Ideal Candidate
Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in private development engineering, including extensive experience in reviewing private development plans; applying municipal development standards; coordinating with developers and utility agencies; and ensuring compliance with City codes and engineering requirements;
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Windows software applications, such as spreadsheets, databases, and engineering computing applications, AutoCAD and ESRI GIS software;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make well-reasoned, logical decisions;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to represent the City in meetings and presentations to a variety of audiences, including community groups, other governmental agencies, and the public, while using tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to effectively communicate and address concerns;
• Ability to independently manage and complete assignments in a fast-paced, high-demand environment, demonstrating initiative and proactive problem-solving when needed; and
• Natural aptitude for thriving in a team environment that encourages cooperation, open communication, and the shared management of risk, responsibility, and rewards.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at First review of applications will be those received by Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is a possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Oral Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.)
Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of August 17, 2026
SPECIAL NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Govto find out more information about the City of Torrance.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
In addition, the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit::
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?

• Yes
• No

02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

• Yes
• No

03
What is your highest level of education completed?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College Coursework
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

04
Please specify the degree(s) you possess and the major course of study for each. Example: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. Please type "N/A" if not applicable.
05
Do you possess a valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers?

• Yes
• No

06
How many years of professional engineering field and office experience do you possess?

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one year, but less than two years
• More than two years, but less than three years
• Three years or more

07
How many years of professional experience do you possess in the design, review, or management of land development projects, including grading and drainage, sewer and water systems, street improvements, and subdivision map processing?

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one year, but less than two years
• More than two years, but less than three years
• Three years or more

08
Indicate your years of experience utilizing AutoCAD or computer-aided drafting and design.

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one year, but less than two years
• More than two years, but less than three years
• Three years or more

Required Question